Hundreds of thousands of people have signed a petition calling for the Sydney fireworks display to be cancelled, using the money to instead to fight the bushfires
It comes as the country's capital, Canberra, cancelled its own fireworks display over bushfire fears.
"With those vantage points only having very limited access and obviously evacuation points, and the curing of the grass in those areas, what I was most concerned about was the fire risk that would be associated with that." New South Wales, of which Sydney is the state capital, has been worst affected with eight dead and 1,000 homes destroyed.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the fireworks would still go ahead despite her"deep sympathies" with the petition signers, due to the money being spent in advance.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia bushfires: Petition to cancel Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks goes viralThe petition says that all states should 'say no' to fireworks, using the money to instead fight the widespread bushfires.
Read more »
'There are no words' D-Day veteran overwhelmed as he's recognised in New Year Honours listD-DAY veteran Harry Billinge has been recognised in the New Year Honours list after his fundraising efforts made headlines around the world. After appearing on the show earlier in the year, the BBC Breakfast team visited Harry who revealed he was overwhelmed by the news and explained why fundraising for those soldiers who never returned home is so important to him.
Read more »
Recipes for New Year gatherings: Yotam Ottolenghi’s shareable dishesYoghurt rice with chana dal, vegan palak paneer and braised eggs with leeks and beans – to be enjoyed around the table
Read more »
14 bottles of fizz for a fabulous New Year’s EveIf Christmas has left you out of booze, Terry Kirby has the low down on the high street buys you need to celebrate with
Read more »
14 new game-changing beauty products under £12The bank don't need to be broke
Read more »
Woman reveals incredible hack for turning dirty trainers into brand new shoesA woman has answered our prayers with an incredible hack that helps turn dirty white trainers into clean, new shoes.
Read more »